Mick Schumacher is "definitely" a strong candidate to form an all-German driver lineup at Audi-owned Sauber in 2025, according to Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto.
Despite earlier signs that the former Haas driver's Formula 1 career might be nearing its definitive end, Binotto has not yet made a final decision regarding the team's driver lineup for the future.
Just recently, it seemed that Sauber was leaning towards re-signing Valtteri Bottas. However, Binotto told Corriere della Sera that Audi is in no rush to make its decision.
"We can afford the luxury of taking our time because all the other teams have already set their lineups," explained former Ferrari boss Binotto, who has now taken the helm at Audi's F1 project.
The new Audi boss emphasized that two options are being considered for the team: "There are two main options – on the one hand, experience to put us on the growth path, and on the other hand, a young, talented driver who can accompany us on the way to the top."
Mick Schumacher, 25, is someone Binotto already knows well from his time in the Ferrari development program. "We are definitely looking at him," confirmed Binotto. "I have met him and spoken to him. I have known him for a long time as he was part of the Ferrari academy. I know his strengths and advantages. He is one of the names we have in mind."
However, Binotto also cautioned that Audi may need to wait as long as 2030 for significant success in Formula 1, with the team currently struggling and sitting last in the 2024 constructors' standings without a single point. "The whole team needs to be turned upside down," he said. "The difference to Ferrari, for example, is huge, from the facilities to the people to the tools."
Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Binotto added, "I see a lot of similarities with the Ferrari that I started at in 1995."
